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As a landlord, you have the right to maintain your property as you desire, even when it is occupied by tenants. Even though you own the property, you cannot enter it while it is occupied without following certain procedures, according to California law. When the rental property is occupied, you must send a letter to the tenant, informing her of an upcoming house inspection with a reasonable amount of notice. Make sure you write a legally sound letter and deliver it in time so you don't violate your tenant's rights.

1

Write the date, the tenant's full name and the street address of the rental property at the top of the page.

2

Let the tenant know that you will be performing an inspection of the property and refer to the relevant section in the lease agreement. Include the date and time you will be entering the home.

3

Be specific about what the inspection is about, because California law requires landlords to have a specific reason to enter the property. A general inspection just to check things out doesn't qualify. Among the legally approved reasons are inspections in an emergency, when the tenant has abandoned the rental, to make necessary repairs or conduct a move-out inspection. With proper notice, landlords can also enter to make upgrades and other improvements, to show the property to prospective buyers or new tenants or to provide entry to an outside contract worker, such as a plumber, or even a property appraiser.

4

Clarify that you will be entering the property whether or not the tenant is home to perform the inspection. Let her know that if she would like to schedule a time and date where she can be home, you are open to discuss it if you can. Legally you don't have to reschedule an inspection, but many landlords do so as a gesture of good will.

5

Inform the tenant if another person will be with you during the inspection, such as an electrician or plumber.

6

Assure the tenant that you will properly secure the home before leaving by locking any windows and doors.

7

Sign the letter and deliver it to the tenant, either by direct delivery, posting the letter in a conspicuous place like the front door, leaving it with a roommate or older child, or mailing it. If you mail the notice, allow six days for delivery before conducting the inspection.

Things You Will Need

Computer and printer

Tip

Whenever you enter your property for an inspection, leave a business card or note to let the tenant know you've finished.

Warnings

It is against California law for landlords to schedule an inspection for no reason. Make sure that the purpose of the inspection falls within one of the legally approved reasons for you to enter.

Only schedule inspections during normal business hours, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

About the Author

Jenna Marie has been editing and writing professionally since 1993. Her editing background includes newspapers, magazines and books, and her articles have appeared in print and on websites such as Life123 and AccessNurses. She specializes in writing about parenting, frugal living, real estate, travel and food. Her nonfiction book was published in 2008. She earned a Bachelor of Science in journalism from Utah State University.